Even though the Election Commission(EC) has no enforcement powers to punish those who violate the Election Offences Act, the EC is not free, fair and independent if the EC fails to condemn but instead condone BN leaders who practice money politics. Malaysiakini reported that a single mother in Taman Semarak, Teluk Intan P Panjalay has alleged that Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil visited her house with RM 500 cash and pampers for her daughters in return for canvassing support for BN.

Shahrizat denied that she was using cash and gifts to fish for votes because she was visiting clients of the National Welfare Foundation as chairperson of the foundation. Sharizat should know that the Election Offences Act 1954 states clearly that a person involved in certain activities that may influence voters is guilty of vote buying and bribery, whether done directly or indirectly.

Previously, Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek promised to improve the constituency’s broadband, while Federal Territory Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor promised the local Indian community a crematorium and a wedding hall only if BN wins the Teluk Intan by-election.

Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran had accused BN of giving out hampers worth about RM150 each to families at the Nova Scotia Estate in Teluk Intan last Thursday. Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has told volunteer corps Rela members they would get new uniforms if BN wins, while Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin launched the RM5 billion West Coast Expressway urging the people to give BN credit.

EC chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, however, said there was nothing wrong in Zahid’s statement, as the Umno vice-president had not violated any election regulations. This is most shocking and unacceptable. Even if EC has no enforcement powers, the EC should uphold and not violate the law by condemning such vote-buying.

The inaction of EC has resulted in BN leaders behaving like feudal overlords spreading largesse only during by-elections. Is democracy in Malaysia reduced to voters hoping that there will be by-elections to find a solution to their long-standing problems? EC’s role as an apologist for BN only reinforces PR’s demands that the EC members resign because of their utter failure to uphold the law without fear or favour, regardless of rank or position to conduct free, fair and independent elections.

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